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Elements of Effective Teams

Katzenbach and Smith (1993) identify several elements of effective teams.

1. Significant performance challenges energize teams regardless of where they are in an organization. A team remains a powerful group of individuals when members have valued outcomes to work toward.

2. Organizational leaders can foster team performance by building a "strong performance ending" rather then just promoting the team itself. Teams are most successful when they have an energizing direction to take and clarity of purpose.

3. Biases toward individualism are present in all teams but do not have to get in the way of team productivity. Individual accountability, focus on self-preservation, and a common orientation toward working alone can be overcome in teams. Successful teams find ways for both individuals and the group to succeed.

4. Discipline within the team and the school creates a positive condition for team performance. Where "disciplined action" takes place, team members are more likely to define a common purpose, establish performance goals, and determine how to work together, to be successful group members, and to "hold themselves mutually accountable for results." (p. 14)